WOLVES have decided to postpone the latest phase of a multi-million pound Molineux redevelopment.

Plans to upgrade the Steve Bull Stand will not begin as planned at the end of this season, even though advanced preparations have already been made for the construction of the new structure.

An electricity sub-station has already been constructed to enable the club to make an immediate start on the project when it is decided to recommence work on the project.

The club stressed its continuing commitment to the project and other development works around the stadium, but said it was now concentrating on a major £6million overhaul to its training ground and academy to ensure it achieved Premier League Category One recognition.

The facilities will be housed near the M54 motorway on the outskirts of Wolverhampton.

The Premier League’s reclassification of training facilities and academies took place after initial Wolves plans to redevelop Molineux were confirmed and so the massive financial outlay was not part of the club’s original cashflow forecasts.

The club stated: “Given this extra financial commitment and the long-stated aim to achieve the right balance between the investment in infrastructure and the first team playing squad, the board decided to postpone the development of the Steve Bull stand.”

Chief executive Jez Moxey added: “The stadium development was always going to be constructed in phases with each to be taken on its merits at the time.

"The board felt that if we didn’t proceed with the Academy redevelopment we would never be able to revisit it, whereas the stadium redevelopment was always a long-term project.

“In view of our financial commitment to our Academy we have decided to postpone the Steve Bull Stand development for now, particularly as this is a once in a lifetime opportunity to develop the club training ground and Academy.”

Work on existing projects in the stadium will not be affected. The new £18million Stan Cullis stand will be ready for the start of next season to give Molineux a capacity of 31,700.

The structure will include a Wolves museum, supporters bar called the North bank and club megastore will be housed in the stand.